Qualitative vs. Quantitative Observations Note Sheet
Learning Targets: I can differentiate between qualitative and quantitative
observations.
I can summarize properties of original materials, and the new
material(s) formed, to demonstrate that a change has occurred.
__________________________
__________________________
Observations that DO NOT involve
Observations that involve measurements
measurements and numbers but use
and numbers and use instruments such
your senses to observe and describe
as ruler, balances, graduated cylinders,
the results (sight, smell, touch, taste,
beakers, and thermometers. (length,
and hear)
height, area, volume, weight, speed, time,
temperature, etc.)
Example
"My brother is shorter than my sister"
Example
"My brother is 30cm shorter than my
sister"
Applying Qualitative vs. Quantitative to physical changes
(observed or measured without forming a new substance)
Qualitative – physical properties observed
Quantitative – physical properties that
with your senses such as physical state,
you measure and give a number value
odor, color, texture etc.
such as an object’s mass, volume and
temperature
Ice Cream Melting:
What are the properties of the original materials?
____________________________________
What are the new materials that are formed? _________________________________________
How could you describe the following physical changes using qualitative and quantitative
observations? ___________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Applying Qualitative vs. Quantitative to chemical changes
(Describes the ability of a substance to change into a different substance)
Qualitative – chemical properties observed
Quantitative – chemical properties that
with your senses such as permanent
you measure and give a number value
color change, substance disappears, odor
such as temperature change, gas is
changes
produced
Baking A Cake:
What are the properties of the original materials?
____________________________________
What are the new materials that are formed? _________________________________________
How could you describe the following physical changes using qualitative and quantitative
observations? ___________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Popping A Balloon:
What type of change occurred? _______________________________________________________
What are the properties of the original materials?
____________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
What are the new materials that are formed? _________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
How could you describe the following physical changes using qualitative and quantitative
observations? ___________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Vinegar and Baking Soda:
What type of change occurred? _______________________________________________________
What are the properties of the original materials?
____________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
What are the new materials that are formed? _________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
How could you describe the following physical changes using qualitative and quantitative
observations? ___________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________